ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses an implementation of a Cellular Automaton approach to dynamically model plant dispersal. Rhamnus Alaternus, which is an invasive species, represents a threat to local ecosystems. The model can be used to achieve a better understanding of the processes involved in plant dispersal and aims at being a tool for environmental monitoring. An integrated approach combining Cellular Automata and GIS offers the ability of both spatially and temporally dynamic modelling as well as efficient data storage and analysis. The Cellular Automaton was simulated using the ARC/INFO Grid module and its programming language. It aims at delivering an exploratory tool to analyse the range of input parameters to environmental modelling and their effects on plant dispersal. The article discusses the properties of a CA and the general model structure. It further explains the main implementation steps, the problems encountered and solutions chosen. A discussion of the performance of ARC/INFO Grid in respect to the simulation of the CA concludes the paper.
